[popcorn number=”125″ desc=”No. of goals scored by Messi for Argentina; behind only Cristiano Ronaldo (145)” class=”Default”]
[popcorn number=”3064″ desc=”No. of minutes Lionel Messi has played at the FIFA World Cup — the most by any player” class=”Default”]
[popcorn number=”207″ desc=”No. of matches played by Lionel Messi for Argentina — only behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s (234)” class=”Default”]
Lionel Messi will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career on Tuesday with a farewell friendly against Benin that marks the dawn of a new era for the South American champions. After more than two decades of service to his country, the 39-year-old superstar will hand over the captain’s armband for good as he makes his final appearance in the Albiceleste jersey at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Messi will be joined for his international swansong by 85,000 spectators and several of the teammates with whom he reached the pinnacle of football at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, alongside members of Argentina’s emerging generation. The friendly marks a symbolic passing of the torch for a player whose international legacy includes a World Cup title, two Copa America crowns and the Finalissima.
Messi also bows out as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 games, as well as a record 68 assists. His farewell comes two-and-a-half months after Argentina’s ill-tempered World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi exited in tears after making little impression. “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi wrote when announcing his international retirement in August. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028.
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad — the players who delivered the country’s third star — and their families will join Messi for Tuesday’s farewell against Benin, ranked 93rd in the world.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi with teammate Alexis Mac Allister; (right) Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni (right) hugs Messi
“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone. Everyone wants to be at this match, and now it’s just about enjoying it,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo. The Argentine national team will continue to exist, but logically it won’t be the same,” Scaloni added.
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